Bike to Wherever Day, Moana 2 screening, two walking tours, and the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival
Alameda offers a plethora of opportunities to get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather this week. On Thursday, May 15, join East Bay cyclists at Bike to Wherever Day, including Energizer Stations and an after party at RADIUM Runway. On Friday, May 16, head over to the Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field for this season’s first Starlight Movie in the Park, Moana 2. Lace up your shoes for two educational walks this weekend—Alameda Walks history and wildlife tour on Saturday, May 17, and an Alameda Post history walking tour on Sunday, May 18. Once you’ve learned more about the Park Street Commercial Buildings with the Post on Sunday, head over to City Hall West parade grounds for the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival.
Bike to Wherever Day Activities
Thursday, May 15
Grab your helmets! Thursday, May 15 is Bike to Wherever Day, “the Bay Area’s biggest day for bicycling.” Bike to work, bike to school, or just bike around the island to enjoy Alameda’s growing bike infrastructure! There will be several Energizer Stations set up in Alameda to give you a boost throughout the day:
- Westside Joe’s Bikes | 1000 Central Avenue | 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Snacks, drinks, and games.
- Alameda Bicycle | 1522 Park Street | 9 to 11 a.m. | Snacks and coffee.
- CASA Station | 1365 Park Street | 7 to 10 a.m. | Baked goods, coffee, and flyers.
- Twelve Booth | 1145 Atlantic Avenue | 7 to 10 a.m. | Coffee, pastries, and time to learn about Twelve.
- Alameda TMA Booth | Southwest Corner of Webster Street and Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway | 7 to 10 a.m. | Warm beverages and snacks, swag, and Bike Link demo.
- Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal | 215 Adelphian Way | 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. (First three ferry rides of the day) | TBD.
- Alameda After Party | 2151 Ferry Point | 5 to 7 p.m. | Fun-filled after party with lots of activities planned.
Pledge to ride to get some extra swag, including a tote bag, special discounts, and a map of Alameda stations. If you’d like to log your miles, join the Bay Area Bike Challenge to help the Bay Area collectively reach 120,000 miles in the month of May.
Starlight Movies in the Parks Screens Moana 2
Friday, May 16
They’re back! Starlight Movies in the Parks returns for the summer, bringing family-friendly movies to the Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field, 1101 West Redline Avenue. Kick off this season of the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) popular outdoor movie showings with Moana 2 on Friday, May 16.
This free, fun-filled event will start at 6:30 p.m. with pre-show festivities including games and crafts for kids. Throughout the summer, the movies will start between 8:15 and 8:45 p.m., depending on darkness. Snacks and food will be available for purchase—proceeds support the Alameda Youth Committee and Teen Programs.
Please bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy this film. Pre-registration is not necessary. Kindly leave all barbecue grills, alcoholic beverages, and pets at home.
Alameda Walks
Saturday, May 17
Grab your kicks—Alameda Walks returns for a new season of local adventures on Saturday, May 17. The walk begins at Encinal Boat Ramp, 150 Central Avenue, and travels as far as the USS Hornet. This week’s walk is a longer one, scheduled from 9 until 11:15 a.m. Just look for the red hats, and join in!
This unique walk will cover fascinating Alameda history as well as local wildlife—the area is famous for harbor seals and brown pelicans, to name just two. Keep an eye out for nesting ospreys, which regularly build their giant nests on top of light poles and other equipment left from the naval base. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s history as well as future nature preservation planned for the area.
This walk will be led by East Bay Regional Park Naturalist Michael Charnofsky, and is sponsored by ARPD. All Alameda Walks events begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately one hour unless otherwise noted. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is not required. Kindly leave pets at home.
History Walking Tour: Park Street Commercial Buildings
Sunday, May 18 and Sunday, May 25
What’s the story behind the beautiful buildings on Park Street? Join award-winning Historian Dennis Evanosky for a leisurely walk to discuss the street’s history— including what’s visible, behind façades, or long gone. The tour begins at the Alameda Museum, 2324 Alameda Avenue, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 18 and Sunday, May 25.
Highlights of the walking tour include the Masonic Temple, Artesian Water Works, and the original Bureau of Electricity building that stood at the corner of Park Street and Otis Drive. At the museum, check out a colorized 1893 photograph of Park Street taken from the tower of the long-gone Artesian Water Works, as well as an early 20th century photo of the “Green Star” line streetcar trundling past buildings still dressed in their Victorian-era finery.
Alameda Post History Walking Tours generally last about 90 to 100 minutes and cover one to two miles. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and sunscreen. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend. Tickets are $20 each, and kids under six are free. Grab your ticket for Sunday, May 18 or Sunday, May 25 online.
Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival
Sunday, May 18
The City, Forward Alameda, and Kiwanis Club of Alameda invite the whole community to their 2025 Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival on Sunday, May 18. Head over to the City Hall West parade grounds, 950 West Mall Square, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. to join the fun.
Catch dazzling performances throughout the day, including martial arts demonstrations, a Vietnamese fashion show, music, traditional and modern dance, and more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there with be several great food and beverage options:
- India Express food truck | savory curries, biriyani, and more.
- MC Sushi food truck | sushi including cooked, raw, and vegetarian options.
- Street Stix | Filipino street food.
- Donut Petit | Featuring a special ube donut.
- Alameda Brewing | Featuring their Burma Ale, 2025 World Beer Cup silver medal winner.
- Sake and soju for sale.
Activities will include a henna artist, a demonstration of Japanese flower arrangement or ikebana, and origami crafts. Find a new read at the Filipino book sale, and shop for antiques, clothing, and jewelry from India.
The performances will take place on an open grass field. It is advised to bring a blanket, hat, and sunscreen. The Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival is free to attend, and no registration is required.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].
